Device for rapidly securing and obscuring footwear laces

ABSTRACT

A device for rapidly securing and obscuring footwear laces includes a strap having a cinching device such as a cord lock; a plurality of tubular lace restraints along the length of the strap; and a means for connecting one end of the strap to the other, so as to secure the device around a wearer&#39;s ankle with the laces obscured beneath. Laces travel the majority of the length of the strap, and can stay engaged with the laces even when footwear is not being worn. A user can insert foot into footwear, tighten laces by pulling on ends, cinch laces in tightened position by engaging cinching device, wrap strap with laces around ankle, and secure in place around ankle or ankle of footwear.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/544,171, entitled HARNESS FOR SECURING FOOTWEAR LACES, which was filed Oct. 6, 2011, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to footwear accessories, and more specifically, to a device that rapidly secures and obscures footwear laces.

The humble shoelace is an integral part of a variety of types of footwear because it is easy to use, replaceable, effective and economical. Shoelaces are often constructed of cotton, textured polyester, spun polyester, nylon, leather, or polypropylene, with the aglet, the hard plastic end of the shoelace, made of clear plastic. It is believed that the use of shoelaces dates back to 2000 BC, when ancient Mesopotamians wore simple pieces of leather that fit beneath the foot and were bound to the foot and ankle with laces that are believed to have been rawhide.

Unfortunately, however, tightening and tying shoe laces can be a bit time consuming. While this extra time is not problematic for most people and situations, this can be a problem when time is of the essence, for example in combat or rescue services.

Also, tightening and tying shoe laces requires a level of dexterity that not everyone has. By way of example, it can be difficult to tighten and tie shoelaces when one suffers from a disease or injury, is in inclement weather, is wearing gloves, or when they have just woken up. Again, this can be problematic in certain situations.

Another shortcoming of shoelaces is that tied shoelaces, and in particular two looped portions and two end portions, typically dangle from a wearers shoe. This can be hazardous, especially in combat, factories, or on construction sites.

Others have tried to overcome the shortcomings of shoelaces in a variety of ways, including providing cinching devices and elastic bands that exert a continuous pull on the laces. However these devices are typically time consuming, complicated, not effective, or don't achieve the goals of quickly tightening and tying, even with limited dexterity, while providing the benefit of avoiding the hazards of dangling portions of tied laces.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device that quickly and easily facilitates tightening and tying shoelaces. It is desirable that this device can be used with limited dexterity. It is also desirable that this device is capable of obscuring the secured shoelaces. It is desirable that this device is structurally simple, easy to use, lightweight, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and can be used with a variety of types of footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a device for rapidly securing and obscuring footwear laces. This device generally includes an elongated strap portion, with a plurality of tubular shoe lace restraints positioned longitudinally along the length of the strap. Going from one end of the strap to the other end, an embodiment includes the following structures: cord lock; first pair of eyelets/grommets, hook/loop fastener; plurality of shoe lace restraints; at least a second pair of eyelets/grommets; and corresponding hook/loop fastener.

In use, a user threads their shoelaces through the cord lock, first pair of eyelets/grommets, along the length of the strap through the shoe lace restraints, then out a second pair of eyelets/grommets where the laces are preferably knotted to stay in place. The user then tightens their shoelaces by pulling the distal end of the device and cinching the laces tight with the cord lock, then wrapping the strap (and attached laces) around their ankle and securing the corresponding sections of hook/loop fastener. The laces are secured using the interference between the laces and the strap created outside the last set of eyelets/grommets and tension is held by the cord lock allowing the user to wrap the device no matter the exact length of the laces. To undo, for example prior to removing shoes, the hook/loop fastener is undone, strap unwrapped from ankle, cord lock is depressed and laces are loosened, and footwear is removed. The device remains on the footwear laces, so in subsequent use the wearer simply needs to go through the tightening, cinching, wrapping and securing steps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown in use and fully secured;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front side of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the back side of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown in the pre-secured position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown in the tightened position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention shown in the tightened and partially wrapped position;

FIG. 7 is a detailed section view of an embodiment of the invention taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a detailed section view of an embodiment of the invention taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 2 with the cord lock device 12 shown in the locked position; and

FIG. 9 is a detailed section view of an embodiment of the invention with the cord lock device 12 shown in the unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

As used herein, “shoelaces”, “footwear laces” and the like are used interchangeably, and it should be understood that the present invention can be used with a variety of types of footwear including shoes, boots, booties, and even sandals and dress shoes. It should also be understood that “shoelaces” and the like refer generally to flexible strips used to tighten and secure footwear, including fabric, leather, plastics, and composites, which may or may not include aglets.

The following structure numbers apply through the various FIGS:

-   -   10 is a strap;     -   12 is a cord lock device;     -   14 is a hook fastener;     -   16 is a loop fastener;     -   18 are shoe lace restraints;     -   20 are shoe laces;     -   22 are eyelets/grommets;     -   24 is a cord lock device spring;     -   26 is an article of footwear;     -   28 is a cord lock device aperture;     -   30 is a cord lock device attachment means; and     -   32 is a folded end.

Referring to FIG. 1, the device of the present invention includes strap 10 that secures and obscures shoe laces 20, and preferably wraps around ankle portion of footwear 26. While this invention is particularly well suited for boots, for example combat and construction type lace-up boots, it can be used with a variety of types of footwear.

As depicted in FIG. 2, elongated strap 10 includes the following structures on the front side: cord lock 12; then first pair of eyelets/grommets 22; then hook/loop fastener 14; and then second pair of eyelets/grommets. On the back side of strap 10, as depicted in FIG. 3, the structures include: first pair of eyelets/grommets 22; then plurality of shoe lace restraints 18; then at least a second set of eyelets/grommets 22; and then corresponding hook/loop fastener 16. The eyelets/grommets 22 traverse strap 10, and thus are the same structures/apertures on both the front side and back side. Hook/loop fastener 14 and corresponding hook/loop fastener 16 may be hook and loop, respectively, or loop and hook, respectively. Also, fastener 14, 16 may be attached to strap 10 along longitudinal edges only, thereby creating a tube or tunnel through which laces can travel along a segment of strap. In alternative embodiments it is possible to use other securing means such as snaps, adhesives, and the like. It should also be understood that grommets are preferably used as a reinforcing device in conjunction with eyelets, but that it is possible to use eyelets without grommets.

Strap 10 is preferably sized to accommodate the length of the “free” portion of shoe laces 20, meaning the end segments of shoe laces which are not secured by shoe lace eyelets, hooks or holes on the footwear. By way of example, if shoe laces 20 have a 10″ free portion, it is desirable that strap 10 is approximately 12″ in length. It is also desirable that strap 10 comfortably fits around the ankle portion of most boots with adequate overlap at each end for securing hook/loop fasteners 14, 16. In accordance with the present invention, it is desirable that strap 10 is approximately 12-26″; with 15-20″ being more preferred, and 17-18″ being most preferred. It is desirable that the strap is approximately 0.5-1.5″ in width. Strap 10 is preferably constructed of elasticized or non-elasticized webbing, with woven poly-elastic webbing from Jontay Distributing of Waycross, Ga. being an example of a suitable strap material.

Cord lock 12, depicted in detail in FIGS. 8 and 9, is secured to proximal end (relative to footwear when in use) of strap 10, by attachment means 30 such as connection to small section of cord that is affixed and dangles, stitching or adhesive. It is desirable that end of strap 10 is finished, for example resulting in folded end 32. Cord lock 12 includes cord lock device spring 24 which, when engaged (FIG. 9) temporarily displaces cord lock device aperture 28 closer to underlying eyelets/grommets 22. This allows easier of ingress and egress of shoe laces 20 to allow tightening and loosening. When spring 24 is allowed to return to natural extended position (FIG. 8) shoe laces 20 are cinched into position wherein ingress and egress is more difficult in view of the tortuous path and friction. An example of a suitable cord lock 12 which is commercially available is Preset Cord Lock with Slot from Jontay Distributors of Waycross, Ga.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the pairs of eyelets/grommets 22 are preferably identical, except at different ends of strap 10 or at various locations along the length of strap 10. It is desirable that eyelets/grommets 22 are apertures which are reinforced using grommets. An example of a suitable eyelet is Grommet #00 from Grommet World of www.grommetworld.com Gastonia, N.C. While two pairs are preferred, it is possible to use one eyelet instead in either the first position or second position, both, or other combinations along the length of strap 10.

Hook/loop fasteners 14, 16 are connected to strap 10 on opposite sides so that when device is secured on a user, the corresponding sides contact and adhere. This is shown best in FIG. 6. It is desirable that fasteners 14, 16 are approximately 6″ each and connected to strap 10 by means such as stitching or adhesives.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the device preferably includes a plurality of shoe lace restraints 18 along the length of strap 10, between first and second set of eyelets/grommets 22. It is possible to use as few as 1 restraint, and as many as will fit on strap 10, but it has been determined that 3 restraints is most preferred. A preferred construction of restraint 18 is set forth in FIG. 7, wherein edges of tubular structure are secured to strap 10, preferably by stitching, adhesives, or the like. Loop fastener 16 may also serve as a lace restraint.

Use of the device is depicted in FIGS. 4-6. Referring to FIG. 4, a user would depress cord lock device 12 to engage cord lock device spring 24, then thread shoe laces through cord lock device aperture 28. Once shoe laces are pulled through cord lock 12, then cord lock device 12 could be released. Shoe laces 20 would then be threaded through first apertures 22, with one lace going through each aperture. Then laces 20 are threaded together through lace restraints 18, and finally out second set of eyelets/grommets 22, with one lace going through each aperture. The laces are then knotted or tied together so the ends don't slip back through second apertures. In this manner laces 20 initially engage with proximal end of device at front side, travel along bottom side for majority of the length of strap 10, then reemerge at front side at distal end of device.

Referring to FIG. 5, slack is taken out of laces 20 in footwear 26 by pulling distal end of laces 20 and preferably allowing device to maintain a substantially linear orientation. Pulling laces 20 may be facilitated by depressing cord lock device 12. Although not shown, it should be understood that this step occurs while footwear 26 is being worn. Once laces 20 are sufficiently tight, cord lock device 12 is no longer depressed, thereby causing reengagement of cord lock device spring 24, cord lock device aperture 28 moving away from first set of eyelets/grommets 22, and resulting in the cinching of shoe laces 20. An alternative method is to pull laces 20 tight then extending strap 10 down the laces and cinching with cord lock device 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, strap 10 is wrapped around ankle such that bottom side of device is facing inward towards the body, thereby obscuring the majority of the length of free laces 10, with hook/loop fasteners connecting to secure the device and laces in position.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. It should also be understood that ranges of values set forth inherently include those values, as well as all increments between. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for rapidly securing and obscuring footwear laces including: a. An elongated strap having a front side surface, back side surface, a proximal end, and a distal end; b. A cinching device connected on the front side surface of the proximal end of said strap; c. A first pair of eyelets defined by the proximal end of said strap; d. A second pair of eyelets defined by the distal end of said strap; and e. A plurality of lace restraints on the back side surface of said strap, between said first pair of eyelets and said second pair of eyelets.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said strap is approximately 12″ long to approximately 26″ long.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said strap is approximately 15″ long to approximately 20″ long.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein said cinching device is a cord lock.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein said first pair of eyelets are reinforced.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein said second pair of eyelets are reinforced.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein said lace restraints are longitudinally aligned tubular structures.
 8. A footwear system including: a. An article of footwear having a shoe lace; b. A securing device engaged with said shoe lace, said securing device including: i. An elongated strap having a hook fastener on the front side surface and a corresponding loop fastener on the back side surface; and ii. A plurality of lace restraints longitudinally aligned along said elongated strap, between said hook fastener and said loop fastener.
 9. The footwear system of claim 8 wherein said footwear is a boot.
 10. The footwear system of claim 9 wherein said boot is a military issued boot.
 11. The footwear system of claim 8 consisting of 3 lace restraints.
 12. The footwear system of claim 8 wherein said lace restraints are located on the back side surface.
 13. A method of securing and obscuring laces in footwear including the sequential steps of: a. Obtaining an article of footwear having an engaged but untied lace with two free ends; b. Passing said free ends through a cinching device; c. Passing the first free end through a first aperture; d. Passing the second free end through a different first aperture; e. Passing both of said free ends through a series of linearly aligned lace restraints; f. Passing the first free end through a second aperture; and g. Passing the second free end through a different second aperture.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of passing said free ends through a cinching device includes the step of temporarily disengaging said cinching device to allow the ingress of said free ends.
 15. The method of claim 13 further including the sequential step of pulling said two free ends in order to lessen slack of laces within said footwear.
 16. The method of claim 13 further including the sequential step of wrapping said two free ends around a wearer's ankle. 